FEB CATCH-ALL

[heartstings]

WHO: Kenzi & YOU
WHERE: Maurtia Falls (mostly)
WHEN: FEB
WHAT: Kenzi doing Kenzi things post CnC2020
WARNINGS: Alcohol, language, possibly some violence.


[A] THE RED BRANCH
[ Work on the Branch hasn’t made any progress due to spending most of the last month in an alternate version of the City. Was it alternate? Kenzi couldn’t be sure, the way events played out it could have been how things would have ended up if not for Atropos. All she knew was that she wasn’t herself -- she was herself but she wasn’t, it’s confusing.

In any case, Kenzi can be found in and around the Red Branch during the day and maybe during the evening. If it’s too cold or snowing outside she’s inside continuing cleanup. If it’s a clear day she can be found outside -- somewhere on the grounds -- cleaning up any trash she finds or working on getting the old sandpit back in serviceable order after Xellos blew it up. Thanks, Xellos.

Though she may not be cleaning, instead she might be working through a routine with a pair of truncheon either indoors or out. Or working on creating some smoke bombs fill with various colors.

Mostly she’s just trying to keep busy and not let her mind wander to thoughts of the City or a certain someone she may or may not have feelings for. ]


[B] GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN (OPEN; ANY CITY THAT ISN’T JEOPARDY)
[ Kenzi can be found in the bars and clubs in any of the cities; flirting, drinking, hustling some guys at pool if there happens to be a table, and dancing. She back from vacation and not letting the fun train come to a stop. Not yet, anyway.

She might also be found in a cafe or diner, window shopping, or just chilling on a bench. She likely has Sir Apple, the cat-sized green and pink fairy dragon, with her. Having him around garners a bit of a crowd, usually children, so she can’t be too hard to miss. ]


[C] IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES…
[ The funny thing about suddenly have ten years’ worth of new experiences in her head is that she’s a much better fighter now. Sure, she no longer has telekinesis to fall back on but her physical skills have been honed. And while her body isn’t used to the movements, her mind knows what to do so it’s just a matter of training.

After a few days, she decides to see what she can do out on the streets at night. Her plan is to locate any drug dealers, knock them out, take any money they have on them, and then leave them for the cops. She’s dressed from head to toe in black, with a loose hooded jacket made from the material Oliver had given her, goggles and a facemask covering most of her face, and her hair braided and pinned back beneath her hood. She initially intended to make herself a full outfit from the material Oliver had given her but then she was ‘ported out and her powers changed making it impossible for her to create the outfit.

Maybe she’s up on a roof keeping a lookout for the activity she’s after. Or maybe she’s in the middle of kicking some butt and looks like she might need a bit of help. Either way, drop in? ]


WILDCARD
[ If you’re looking for something else feel free to drop it here or HMU at rubberspaceducky. ]

Comments

[heartstings]

"Thanks!" Her response is cheerful until she takes a fork to the waffles. "Um, not to be ungrateful or anything but you're supposed to heat the waffles up first."

She's bad at cooking but this is taking things to a whole new level. She does her best to get everything she can off the waffles before putting them in the toaster oven and turning it on. "You gotta turn the dial like so and let it go until it dings. Though, sometimes it helps to keep an eye on 'em so they don't burn." She's surprising patient as she explains this, like she's done this more than once with others.

Sir Apple sniffs at the offered food before taking it and eating.

"It was good. Better than I expected actually." She didn't tell him that her date was with the Joker, just that she was going on a date.

[privatepurchases]

Oh.

"You mean they'll taste even better?"

Wow okay yeah. This is why he likes you Kenzi. This is why he likes people and humans as he sits.

"...Yes how was that? I only went on dates in the other place." He doesn't like to think about it but, "I once took...my...wife to a very nice restaurant. They served these little...things? Salmon things."

He paused, "Were they supposed to punch you in the eye when that happened?"

[heartstings]

"Most things taste better when cooked." She takes his plate so she can heat his up too once hers are done. She leans against the counter, turning to face him while she waits on the toaster over. He might notice a bit of light bruising around the base of her wings, but it's not nearly as dark as the bruise on her face (or hip).

"Haven't found anyone here to go on dates with, yet?" She tilts her head as he describes the food that he was served. "That's a little vague."

Without thinking about it she gently touches her jaw where the bruising is now hidden by her make-up, frowning. "Did someone punch you in the face? 'Cuz that's not, like, standard practice from a date."

[privatepurchases]

He stares at her with a look that clearly says I know. Before it dissolves.

He wants to try.

"I haven't found anyone to go on a date with, no. I'm-" He swallows hard, "I...I am having a hard time deciding what I want. And what I want to be to others." His features soften, "As for being punched it the face, I was a very important person. I normally had a bodyguard though.

Thank Her will for Luther and Allison being okay with me however. It's - it's brought us closer. you three are probably my closest friends."

[heartstings]

"Well, that's kind of part of dating. You just kinda go on a bunch of first dates, get to know other people, and from there you can figure it out." She shrugs. "Like, you don't have to only go on a date with someone you're already with."

Her date had certainly been a good example of that. She never would have thought of going out anywhere with the Joker if he hadn't asked. And oddly enough it'd been enjoyable.

She nods slowly, right, he would have had a bodyguard or two in the other world. "They're two of the Hargreeves, right? I've only met Diego." She frowns. Their date, thanks to the charity auction, had been fun but then he disappeared shortly after. Just her luck.

[privatepurchases]

"They worked for me. They love each other very much." His look was conspiratorial as he leaned in close, smirking, "Though they won't admit it to each other I think. Or it's family love. I'm..."

He stares at his hands.

"I'm unsure."

He rubs a hand on the back of his head, "...I haven't been on any dates. I've just made lists. Of what I didn't like - and how badly I was hurt by my-by Lilith." He looks away for a moment before spooning waffle into his mouth, "...It's a big decision. I want someone I can take care of and who will take care of me. Who will be fine with it...not being forever."

[heartstings]

Kenzi turns back to check on her waffles, scowling at how long the toaster oven is taking.

"I wouldn't know, not knowing them after all." But if she ever met them she'd be able to figure it out pretty good, she's usually good at picking up on stuff about other people.

She remains turned away in order to hide her expression when he talks about what he wants. The familiar tight constriction of her chest and the lump in her throat begin to form. She quickly swallows it down and tries to keep her tone light when she responds.

"That's all anyone wants. But," she turns back to him, "it's only a big decision if you're looking for someone to spend a long time on or settle down with. Dating doesn't have to be serious, it can be fun. I mean, look at me, I've gone on..." She trails off to count off on her finds, "at least seven dates since I returned back in October and they were all fun but nothing serious."

They weren't serious because you wouldn't let them be, she reminds herself. Because she's not looking to replace Hale and doesn't want to deal with the pain of loss again.

[privatepurchases]

"...And you were on a date tonight."

His voice is quiet, watching her watching the toaster oven looking a little like a dog watching an owner cry, that concern wells up in his chest again.

"...I had fun. With my-with Lilith. I just...I don't know I'd like someone I could talk to or tell stories to or-"

He hesitates.

"Kenzi are you okay?" He can't hold it in anymore, "I'm trying to respect your privacy here, but I can tell something happened."

He swallows, "You can tell me. I won't tell anyone."

[heartstings]

"I was." She responds in an even tone like the fact that it is.

"Well, then, you gotta talk to people. Ask someone out to coffee or tea, it doesn't have to be a dinner or lunch. Just some kind of activity you can talk with them and get to know them a little." Dinner is a good chance for that too but sometimes people feel like meeting in a cafe is more casual.

Is she okay? She almost laughs in response to the question, she hasn't been okay for a long time. She almost responds with her usually 'I'm fine' but he says he can tell something happened. He probably won't accept the lie.

She sighs, "The evening took an...ineresting turn. That's all."

The toaster oven finally dings, causing Kenzi to startle, her wings flaring up a tiny bit. She quickly turns around and busies herself with fixing up her food.

[privatepurchases]

An interesting turn. His nostrils perk up at the waffles and he smiles softly - but then lowers his gaze.

"...And you're okay."

He pauses, staring at his hands, "As long as you tell me that, I'll believe it. Because I trust you. I just-"

His chest hurts and he thinks. Ask someone out to coffee or tea. Dinner or Lunch.

He stares at the waffles and his own plate, looking at Sir Apple with a smile, and then back at her."

"I know things are tough right now, but I just want you to know...I care about you a lot. And not just because I'm an angel. But you and-I care."

There. That seems to work.

[heartstings]

"Just a few bruises." He already saw that much so she might as well tell him the truth but how does she word it? "Before you get upset they're from a bit of fun. Not, like, 'cuz he was trying to hurt me." Which isn't entirely true. He was certainly aiming to cause some pain, just not necessarily to her.

She doesn't move to join him once everything is replated, she slips up onto the counter and digs in.

"I know." She smiles softly at him. "I care about you too."

[privatepurchases]

"I'm not upset! Am I upset? Do-" He holds up a hand to calm himself, "I'm sorry. It's not my business. I just..."

He sighs, "I know I just sort of fell into your life, and I've been sleeping here so much but after getting sucked into that dimension...You're the first person who hasn't made me feel like I've made a huge mistake with...like my whole existence hasn't been a huge mistake. I want to make sure you keep feeling that way but..."

He breathes, slowly. Very slowly.

"Nothing is certain for humans in this world or any world. You deserve better then you're getting. From everyone.

So many people do here. Jane and Allison and Luther and Kenzi.


He comes to a decision at that.

"Let me do something nice for you."

[heartstings]

"I just didn't want you to get upset over it." He might not have seemed upset before but now he kind of does.

"It's fine, I'm not used to living alone anyway." Though that does make her wonder about her time before. She'd been living in an apartment in this same city but for the life of her can't remember living with someone else, which is strange for her.

"Speaking of, did you decide which room you want upstairs?" Just so he's off her couch so she can have it back.

She can't help the snort in response to her deserving better. If she deserved better wouldn't her boyfriend still be alive? Wouldn't she still be alive?

"What do you have in mind?" She likes people doing things for her so she's not going to try to talk him out of doing something nice.

[privatepurchases]

"...I'll take the one at the top of the stairs." He relaxes, "...Better then being in government housing. And it's still in Maurita and I..."

His lips press together, trying to think, "...Let's - have lunch tomorrow. I mean it's already tomorrow but let's...let's get a TV and you can show me those movies. Or I'll tell you stories."

He hesitates, "I like telling stories. But I found this great place that makes really good ...tubes. With meat. And sauces and onions. And cheese. And sometimes beans." He smiles, "I'll get some. Because you deserve the best."

[heartstings]

She nods, "A'ight. We'll have to get you some furniture to fill the space, bed first." Maybe they could do that too while they're out.

"Lunch on you, okay." And then he describes what he has in mind and her brow furrows. "Do you mean hotdogs?"

She doesn't have anything to say about getting a TV, that's been on the list of things to get. One to set up in the bar area and another for the den.

[privatepurchases]

"I'll buy the TV. Or at least, one of them. Two of them. I keep most of my salary for clothing and for Violet." he pauses, "...It's the least I can do for you hosting me."

The jackalope, reminding everyone of his presence. Hopping up on the counter, Gabriel moves to take a bite of his waffle and scratch the creature.

"No. There's a coating on the outside...you know what I'll just bring you one. Trust me. You'll like them."

[heartstings]

She grins when he offers to buy the TV. "Oh, I'm gonna pick the biggest bestest one out then." And TVs in this world are so much better than the ones back home.

"Ooooh, corny dogs." She can't help but be amused that he doesn't know what certain foods are called.

"So lunch and shopping, sounds like a great date." She grins as she continues to dig into her breakfast.

[privatepurchases]

He stops and stares at that. Date.

Well okay. That's easy. Sure. Except no. No that's not dating and that's not what he wants right?

Looking a little flustered he grins, "I want to be able to watch the hockey games." He lowers his gaze before meeting hers again.

"...Kenzi can I give you a hug." Friends do that, he knows it, "I understand if no."

[heartstings]

She's calling it a date just to see how he reacts to it. The look on his face is enough to get a chuckle out of her.

"Well, hockey's about over but there's plenty of other sports to watch."

Her head snaps up when he asks to hug her, a soft amused snort escapes her. "Dude, you don't even have to ask for hugs, I love hugs."

[privatepurchases]

He is touch starved by nature. Angels live on grace and he may - eat now - and sleep now - and live as a being now and he has to reckon with that and with her but hugs and touch is...

Moving across the table, he wraps his arms around her and holds her gently, and then tightly.

"It's going to be okay."

He says that to both of them, to himself and the person he is hugging - hoping for some cue that he should let go when even if his is nice. This is nice and comfortable to be held like this.

[heartstings]

She smiles and accepts the hug, returning it with a squeeze of her own. Kenzi thrives on physical contact, she can't imagine living a life without it.

"I know."

She lets him remain close to her for a few moments before gently pushing him back. "Okay, I wanna finish eating. But when I'm done maybe we can cuddle on the couch." So that maybe she can get some more sleep. She hasn't near enough to make it through the day.

[privatepurchases]

The thought makes him grin before returning to his waffle. So this is a sort of dating. Like being a friend.

He smiles, returning to his waffles.

"I'm happy to do things for this place. I want to help, just let me know how and when. My motivational speaking work has people fluctate in and out on a regular basis. I could use the things to do."

[heartstings]

That is a good comparison, though there's certainly more to dating than just being like friends.

She hums thoughtfully as he mentions wanting to help with things. "Well, if you're helping with the bills that's certainly a start. Oh! You're registered, right?"

[privatepurchases]

"Happy to. And Yes." He pauses, finishing up his waffle with a pleased hm. Rising, he moves to take his plate, "Let me take yours."

Violet for his part settles in beside Kenzi, sniffling, nose twitching at Kenzi looking almost amused.

"I've been teaching myself how to make fancier drinks so I could make you something right now.

If that would help."

His eyes fill with affection, then he brushes it off and looks away.

[heartstings]

"Sweet, that'll make some stuff I need for around here easier to get." Being unsettled sucks sometimes, it really slows down the process of things, but she'd still take it over feeling like the government owns her.

She lets him take her plate after she plucks the last blueberry off of it.

"Aw, you don't gotta learn to make drinks for me. Though if you wanna do some bartending if I ever open this place up, that'd be cool."

She reaches over and gives Violet a little pet before rising and moving the fridge to take out a bottle of water. She seems to miss the look he gives her, which is probably a good thing.